Residents and advocates working to protect Muriel Lake say water levels continue to decline, but efforts are underway to slow the trend and explore long-term solutions for one of the Lakeland’s popular recreational lakes.

According to the Muriel Lake Basin Management Society’s latest newsletter, Muriel Lake reached a historic low in November 2025, continuing a decades-long decline that has seen water levels drop approximately four metres since 1981.

The society reports the lake lost roughly 30 centimetres of water between November 2024 and November 2025 alone. Even after recent snowfall and spring moisture helped stabilize conditions somewhat, water levels remain well below historical averages.

“Northeastern Alberta has been experiencing decreased precipitation for the past several decades,” the society wrote in its update. “In specific areas like Muriel Lake, the drought may be a permanent hydrological shift.”

The group estimates the lake has lost between 50 and 60 per cent of its water volume over the past four decades.

Looking for long-term solutions

One of the biggest initiatives currently being explored involves transferring water from the North Saskatchewan River watershed into the creek system that feeds Muriel Lake.

The Muriel Lake Basin Management Society says it has received a letter of support from the M.D. of Bonnyville as it begins exploring regulatory approvals required to investigate the concept further.

Board members have also met with Bonnyville-Cold Lake-St. Paul MLA Scott Cyr to discuss potential pathways forward.

The society describes the proposal as a first step toward stabilizing or potentially increasing water levels in the lake over the long term.

To help strengthen its case, the group is also working with regional partners to better understand the economic value of Muriel Lake as a recreational destination.

Bridge replacement approved

The newsletter also highlighted a recent victory for lake residents.

After concerns were raised about plans to permanently close a bridge at the southeast corner of the lake, the M.D. of Bonnyville approved a single-lane replacement instead.

The decision followed lobbying efforts by local residents who argued the crossing remains important for access around the lake.

Fish habitat remains a concern

Water quality monitoring continues to raise concerns about fish habitat within the lake.

The society reported that dissolved oxygen levels improved this winter compared to previous years but remain too low to adequately support larger fish species.

Volunteers are continuing to monitor oxygen levels, water levels and aquifer pressures beneath the lake as part of ongoing research efforts.

Community support remains critical

The Muriel Lake Basin Management Society will hold its Annual General Meeting on July 25 at noon at the Muriel Lake M.D. Campground.

The group says community involvement will be essential as discussions continue around protecting and revitalizing the lake for future generations.

Muriel Lake remains one of the region’s best-known recreational lakes, attracting campers, boaters, anglers and seasonal residents from across the Lakeland.